Philippians 3:17-4:1 “Citizenship? Act Like One” 02/28/2010

3:17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Taylor Brodowsky

Today we honor an boy scout who has attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
Today we honor and remember those who have fought bravely for our nation in war &in peace.
Today we acknowledge the law of our land and give thanks to live in freedom with rights that every person should have in every country.
We are a month and a half from paying our taxes
We respect private property.
We enjoy liberty. We offer that example to the world.
We are just over eight months from the next election..

The Boy Scouts of America have researched American Values: Citizenship&Faith among the list.

Living in a time of war, economic uncertainty, natural disasters, political unrest..
Paul says:
Remember your citizenship is in HEAVEN.

This world is not my home I’m just passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Passport:
Identification, Permission to come and go, Not easily acquired – to be protected

Follow the Example of others who are faithful
Discern between those who live as citizens of this world
body, pride, self.
Promise: Our bodies though humiliated, though suffer, will be confirmed through Christ.
stand FIRM..
STAND FIRM IN THIS WAY…

My heart belongs to God.. above all else.
Countless times the Apostle Paul’s Roman citizenship gave him rights and privileges
but it was not his salvation.

We are thankful for our freedom to worship, but if we are not placing our passion in worship..
WE ARE NOT STANDING FIRM
We are thankful for our country, but if we are not reaching out to those who are lost…
WE ARE NOT STANDING FIRM
We are thankful for our rights, but if we are sitting on the side line waiting for someone else…
WE ARE NOT STANDING FIRM
We are thankful for the church, but if we think it is OURS and not Christ’s….
WE ARE NOT STANDING FIRM
We are grateful for those who have made our worship possible today, but if we are not making way for others to worship tomorrow..
WE ARE NOT STANDING FIRM

God has entrusted the citizens of the kingdom to represent us, in this land, in this time,…
STAND UP,
STAND FIRM,
HOLD this POSITION UNTIL CHRIST RETURNS

TAKE YOUR Stand in Christ.. you are a citizen of God’s people… living &working on a green card
Get to work.

ACTION: This week, you will be with someone who might need one of God’s very own citizens to reach out and comfort, bless, heal, encourage, love, forgive, or lead… STAND UP FOR CHRIST– your citizenship is at stake.
STAND UP in CHRIST..
And the world will be bless through your sharing Jesus Christ.
Amen.